Monrovia — The Embassy of India in Liberia on Monday, January 26, 2026, commemorated the 77th Republic Day of India with a colorful ceremony at the Embassy premises in Monrovia, drawing a large gathering of members of the Indian community, their families, and Liberian friends of India—underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
By Patience Jones
The celebration began with the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by India’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, followed by the reading of the Republic Day Address on behalf of the President of India, H.E. Smt. Draupadi Murmu.
President Murmu’s Message: Unity, Progress, and Democratic Values
In her Republic Day address, President Murmu extended warm greetings to Indians at home and abroad, describing Republic Day as a moment for reflection on India’s journey, achievements, and aspirations.
In the address read by the Indian Ambassador to Liberia, the President recalled India’s path from Independence on 15 August 1947 to the adoption of its Constitution on 26 January 1950, noting that the Constitution remains the bedrock of the world’s largest democracy. The President emphasized the enduring relevance of constitutional values—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—in shaping India’s democratic republic.
President Murmu paid tribute to national icons, including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, for unifying the nation, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose patriotism continues to inspire generations. She also highlighted the commemoration of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, describing it as a symbol of India’s cultural unity and national pride.
She acknowledged the contributions of India’s armed forces, police, healthcare workers, farmers, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, sanitation workers, artists, and youth, noting that their dedication remains central to nation-building. Special appreciation was extended to Overseas Indians for enhancing India’s global image.
Women, Youth, and Inclusive Development
President Murmu placed strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, describing women as key drivers of India’s development. She highlighted increased participation of women in governance, finance, sports, science, and entrepreneurship, referencing initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to strengthen women’s political representation.
She also stressed inclusive development for tribal communities, farmers, and vulnerable groups, citing expanded access to education, healthcare, housing, food security, and agricultural support. According to the President, millions have been lifted out of poverty through targeted welfare programs.
Addressing the youth, she described them as the backbone of India’s future and expressed confidence that youth-led innovation and leadership would be crucial to achieving Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Economic Growth, Global Peace, and the Environment
The President noted that India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by infrastructure development, reforms, and self-reliance under the Atma-nirbhar Bharat initiative. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to global cooperation, environmental responsibility through the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, and the country’s long-standing advocacy for peace and harmony.
Ambassador Verma Highlights Liberia–India Relations
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Verma welcomed the strong turnout and highlighted the enduring friendship between India and Liberia.
“Republic Day is a moment to reaffirm our shared values of democracy, unity, and progress,” Ambassador Verma said. “The presence of our Liberian friends and cultural performers today reflects the deep people-to-people ties between our two nations.”
He emphasized growing cultural cooperation and announced plans to further strengthen bilateral engagement through cultural exchange.
Liberian Cultural Showcase Heads to India
A major highlight of the event was a cultural performance by a 15-member Liberian troupe, led by Liberia’s Arts and Culture Ambassador, Mr. Kekura M. Kamara, popularly known as Malawala Balawala.
The performance showcased Liberia’s rich cultural heritage and served as a preview of the troupe’s participation in the Surajkund International Arts and Crafts Mela in Haryana, India, scheduled for January 31 to February 15, 2026.
The programme also featured a collective rendition of Vande Mataram by students, patriotic songs, dances, poetry recitations, and other performances by members of the Indian community.
Celebrating Democracy and Friendship
The celebration concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere, reaffirming the shared values of democracy, cultural exchange, and mutual respect that continue to strengthen Liberia–India relations.
India’s Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, marks the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 and symbolizes the nation’s enduring commitment to democratic principles at home and abroad.
